Ashdown specializes in studio entertainment, live events and formatted factual entertainment, and previously served as executive producer at Fresh One Productions as well as head of entertainment at ITV Studios. Her credits include Titanic: A Commemoration in Music and Film (BBC), Wall Of Fame (Sky1) and An Audience With… (ITV).

At the BBC, Ashdown will be working with entertainment commissioning controller Mark Linsey on a slate of new programs.

“With her extensive experience in managing teams, commissioning, developing and exec producing, Rachel will make a brilliant addition to my entertainment commissioning team,” said Linsey in a statement.